Managing Director, Rob Hartley, explains how Rovoscope Ltd accessed funded support through SAMPID to create a rapid prototype of a new medical device.
Company Overview
Rovoscope Ltd is a Stoke-based business that manufactures medical and dental instruments and supplies.
Funded Business Support
Rovoscope Ltd accessed the business support: "Staffordshire Advanced Manufacturing, Prototyping and Innovation Demonstrator" (SAMPID).
After being approached by a Sheffield surgeon who had invented a medical device, Rob Hartley, Managing Director of Rovoscope Ltd, needed rapid prototyping to get proof of concept. Leading the 12-week project was Mechanical Engineering student Harry Griffiths, alongside the support from Professor Tony Dodd’s expertise.
Accessing expertise and specialist advanced manufacturing technology, such as 3D printing and other manufacturing facilities, via the funded SAMPID project, saved costs and enabled Rovoscope to develop the prototype at the rapid speed required.
Project Outcome
Harry Griffiths explains how joining the SAMPID project to produce a life-changing product was really useful in providing a great experience in the real world of work. The continuous support from university academics has allowed Harry to develop his skills and to finish the product in a much faster timeframe.
Rob Hartley works with many universities and vouches for SAMPID, saying that it was the best project he’s ever worked on because of the rapid time scale. Because of the quality and skill of the student from Staffordshire University, Harry is now a full-time employee at the company.
This project is fully funded by Staffordshire University and the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020 and offered completely free of charge to each participating business.
One of the beauties of SAMPID is, not only do you get a bright young student who brings all the latest technology to the table, but you’ve also got access to a number of academics. So, in a sense, you get a number of skills brought during the one project.